Environmental Risk Management
Environmental Risk Management is the objective, evaluative assessment of measurable risks to the surrounding ecosystems of any given project and effective mitigation against those risks. We work with our clients to develop an Environmental Risk Management Plan (ERMP) to ensure that their practices on site are compliant with current and applicable environmental law. We also provide training to all staff at all levels to ensure they understand their level of responsibility and know what to in the event of a hazardous incident (a diesel spill for example). The steps towards risk management are well known;
- Identify the hazards
- Identify the receptors to the hazards
- Evaluate the risks, quantifying the probability of occurrence and decide on a precaution
- Record your findings and implement them
- Review your assessment and update if necessary
The process of risk management is ongoing and ever-changing as risks and the receptors to them change continually.
Like Health & Safety focuses on the person, Environmental Risk Management focuses on your event’s activities and assesses the potential for impact on land, air and water and is therefore inextricably linked to the long term protection of anything that relies on these elements including humans, all plants and wildlife, and industry and commerce.
Environmental Risk Management differs from Health & Safety in that the consequences of exposure to environmental risk and the pathway from hazard to receptor are comparatively unclear. Once a pollutant has entered environmental media, it is taken away from the immediate site of contamination and can cause significant long term problems. The potential pathways of pollutants can be unpredictable and uncontrollable so it is crucial to mitigate against environmental risks from the very start by including them in your existing risk assessment. Especially because failure to do so can result in legal breaches, fines, prosecution and brand damage. This is why it is so important to integrate an Environmental Risk Management Plan into your event design, planning and delivery.